Review/Download: Mateo’s “Love & Stadiums” Mixtape

The stage is officially set for today’s release of “Love & Stadiums”, the first mixtape from singer-songwriter Mateo on the Krucial Noise imprint. “Love & Stadiums” is a collaborative effort from the creative minds of Mateo and Grammy Award-winning producer Kerry “Krucial” Brothers.

The mixtape features 17 tracks including standout selections from Mateo’s “Underneath The Sky” mixtape series to reconnect with his old fans, and embrace new ones. The rest of the project is comprised of newly recorded original tracks along with unique interpretations of songs from today’s hottest artists including Nicki Minaj (Right Thru Me), Kanye West (Power, Runaway), Lil’ Wayne (Don’t Shoot Me Down) and Snow Patrol (Chasing Cars). “Love & Stadiums” also boasts collaborations with industry favorites Pusha T, Goapele, Kardinal Offishall, Gilbere Forte’ and Ab Liva.

The inspiration behind “Love & Stadiums” comes from combining the melodies and lyrics of love songs with big stadium sounding music. Krucial’s definitive production features live instrumentation and accentuates the universal appeal of this project. Mateo pushes the envelope with his hybrid of R&B, Pop and Alternative music — a style he eloquently refers to as “Urban Mod”.

Multi-platinum producer Kerry “Krucial” Brothers signed Mateo to his Krucial Noise label following the singer’s departure from MySpace Records. “Love & Stadiums” marks the beginning of their incredible musical union as the two are currently crafting Mateo’s forthcoming debut album.

Mateo is an Ohio native and alum of the prestigious Morehouse College. The rising talent has already shared the stage with artists such as J. Holiday, Day26, Mario, and Erykah Badu. Kerry “Krucial” Brothers is an award winning producer and songwriter who has worked with some of R&B and Hip Hop’s elite including Alicia Keys, Brandy, Keyshia Cole, Rakim, Anthony Hamilton and more.

UrbanBridgez.com‘s J Dot. recently attended the listening party for the release. Check out his review below and then download the mixtape for your listening pleasure!

A few weeks ago, I was invited to Manhattan’s Premier Studios by Think Tank Digital for an EXCLUSIVE preview of Mateo’s new mixtape, Love & Stadiums. Mateo and his newly formed partner, super-producer Kerry “Krucial” Brothers (Alicia Keys), went through the mixtape track by track for a studio filled of bloggers. Kerry introduced the project explaining that this is something to hold the fans over until Mateo releases his highly anticipated debut album. The two have been working together for over a year and a half and this mixtape as Mateo puts it is “simply for the fans.”

To kick off this listening session, Mateo performed an acoustic set of a few of his most popular songs. Following the display of Mateo’s raw talent, we got a chance to listen to Mateo’s most recent material on Love & Stadiums. This 17-track mixtape is definitely a treat since the fans are receiving this gift for free. The mixtape kicks off with Mateo’s first single, “Don’t Shoot Me Down” featuring Goapele which is a great track. The video for this track has also hit internet outlets and the visual perfectly accompanies the track. Love & Stadiums is filled with all different types of genres and inspirations which also include Mateo experimenting with the sound of Imhotep. He also samples Nicki Minaj, Kanye West and Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars.”

All and all, Love & Stadiums is a great listen and fans and newcomers alike will enjoy this “big drum, urban/soul, big stadium/arena sounding music.”

[download] Love & Stadiums